WATCH NOW: Why You Should Get Guinea Fowl
Their usefulness makes up for their ugly faces.
There's no way around it: with their featherless faces and weird coloring, guinea fowl are not the most attractive poultry.
But beyond their looks these birds have a lot going for them, and with their unique personalities and skill sets they make excellent pets, and are a useful addition to any farm.
Guinea fowl are hardy and low maintenance, and are adept at foraging for their food. While they don't lay continuously like chickens do, their nutritious eggs have a unique and delicate flavor.
They also make excellent "watchdogs," sounding the alarm when unknown visitors approach with a noise that sounds something akin to a very loud and rusty gate hinge.
Guinea fowl fit in well with those who enjoy a sustainable lifestyle; they are free from diseases that plague other poultry, protect other farm animals, and provide manure that can be used as compost. They even cut down on the need for pesticides, as they rid their area of bugs and other pests, and have a particular fondness for the deer tick that spreads Lyme disease.
Best of all, they do all this without tearing up lawns and gardens like chickens do.
Coming in pearl grey, white, lavender, royal purple, blue, slate and more, these birds are colorful, curious and fun to watch.
And you get used to their faces after a while, too.
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